Podclair

Episode 40: Watchung Booksellers

We speak with Margot Sage-El of Watchung Booksellers, famously, the independent bookstore for Montclair that supports and contributes to a thriving literary community, including over 60 published local authors, and uncountable publishing and media professionals. They are fierce supporters of the community, contributing to and working with local schools serving our children, the Montclair Public Library, the Montclair Fund for Eductional Excellence and the Adult School of Montclair.

 

Episode 39: Jacklyn Kling Distinctive Framework & Gallery

We speak with Jacklyn Kling of Jacklyn Kling Distinctive Framework & Gallery  located in Montclair for over 30 years. She and her husband, Roger, are both devoted to fine art and trained in the best conservation techniques and methods.  When visiting their shop, you are surrounded by high quality art and framing craftsmanship.  We get some insights on her family’s craft and learn some tips and secrets for perfect framing!

Episode 38: Well-Made Nutrition

We speak with Montclair State Universtiy alum Chelsea Caravella, owner of Well Made Nutrition. She shares what inspired her to create a plant-based nutrition practice designed to teach individuals to "love the food that loves them back," and how even vegans can find places to eat with their carnivore boyfriends in the restaurants around Montclair.

Episode 37: Vanillamore

We speak with Vanillamore’s chef and owner, Risa Magid Boyer. Risa grew up in Northern New Jersey thinking she would be a graphic artist one day.  But while a student at Northeastern University in Boston, something made Risa completely change her path.  Now Risa shares the story of why she created Vanillamore and what’s behind the design. 

After Jo did the interview with Risa, she popped in at Vanillamore on a cold night where she and her husband enjoyed delicious drinks off the menu of hot chocolates and a sweet and savory dessert tray. While they were there, another couple learned of the gender of their baby when after their meal, a Vanillamore pastry chef served them a dessert she created with a blue center.  It was quite the scene with everyone around them gathering and applauding for the good news!!

Episode 36: Oscar Shorts Montclair

We speak with Oscar Shorts Film Festival founders producers, Corinna Sager and Jeanne Reilly about what inspired them to bring awareness to short films. This year's festival, called Celebrate the Underdog, starts at 10 am on Saturday, February 16th at The Buzz Aldrin School.

Episode 35: Tracey Diamond Designs

In this episode, we speak with Tracey Diamond of Tracey Diamond Designs.  Tracey has run her own business in graphic design, branding and social media here in Montclair for the last ten years, helping others in this town and beyond. To us she is our co-worker and friend who has contributed so much to the success of Podclair by shaping our brand that we thought we'd have her share her knowledge with you, our viewers, as we discuss the fast changing business environment of today's retail and marketing world. 

She also let's us in on what the future holds as she pursues her artistic aspirations!

Check out the episode show notes for more on Tracey's design style, inspirations and fine art pieces.

 

 

 

Episode 34: Kika Stretch Studios - Montclair

In today’s episode Jo sat down with Kika Wise of Kika’s Stretch Studios.  Kika talks about how her dancing career and a little over $300 led her to become the franchise queen of stretch.  All it took was a dream, determination and a lot of moxie.  Now the mother of one - with another one on the way - runs two of her own studios and has franchised a handful of others around New Jersey as well as other states around the country.

Episode 33: Jonathan's Balloons at The Light Closet

We speak with Montclair native Jonathan Lindener, aka Jonathan the Balloon Man and owner of The Light Closet in Upper Montclair.  It’s called the Light Closet because Jonathan can repair almost any light fixture, but he's probably most famous for his balloons for children’s birthday parties, backyard bashes, and school events.  When we were in his shop talking with him, Jonathan was getting ready to provide the Wellmont with more than 700 balloons for their New Year’s Eve balloon drop!

Episode 32: The Unique Canvas

We speak with Ariana Hoffman and Linda Kessler of The Unique Canvas, a local collective formed between interior design and abstract modern art. They speak about their previous careers and how they found fulfillment with their current creative business endeavor.

 

 

Episode 31: Izabelle the Amazing

We speak with Izabelle the Amazing, the self-described "sonic surfer and human light show." As Montclair's own professional hoola hooper, you may have seen her throughout the year performing in local festivals and parades around town. She shares what led her into both hoola and fire hooping and the invaluable lessons she's learned about the risky business of being a small business owner.

Check out the episode show notes for more on her flow arts and performances.